AECI looks for a new CEO after Riemensperger steps down
Holger Riemensperger stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and executive direction of AECI with effect from 15 October 2025.
Dean Murray, Executive Vice President of AECI Chemicals will serve as interim CEO until Riemensperger’s successor is appointed.
Recognising Riemensperger for his contribution, Chairperson of the Board, Philisiwe Sibiya, said: “During his tenure, Mr Riemensperger delivered on the strategy with marked successes in portfolio simplification, improving operational efficiencies, driving both cost savings and debt reduction, while increasing EBITDA. Most recently, the Company achieved a strong 132% increase in headline earnings per share in the first half of 2025 and a resumption of H1 dividend payments. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Mr Riemensperger for his impact and commitment to the Company, which often came at great personal sacrifice, and wish him well for his future endeavours.”
Congratulating Murray on his appointment, Sibiya said: “We are delighted that Mr Murray has been appointed interim CEO. He is a highly seasoned executive, who knows all aspects of AECI and the chemicals business, having spent almost two decades in leadership positions within the Company. He is supported by a strong executive team, and will continue delivering our strategy of portfolio optimisation, driving a winning culture, unlocking internal value and responsible international expansion. The Board is committed to finding a permanent CEO who can fully deliver on its strategy, capitalise on its best-in-class capabilities and assets, and continue to drive a culture that will deliver improved performance, growth and shareholder returns.”
Murray is a highly experienced executive with over 18 years’ leadership experience at AECI. With a decades-long track record within AECI and the chemicals industry, he holds a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering and has completed the Global Executive Development Programme at the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). He was previously Group Executive responsible for AECI Agri Health and AECI Chemicals, which were then standalone businesses.
The Board’s Nominations Committee, supported by a leading executive search firm, has initiated a process to identify a permanent CEO, considering both internal and external candidates.
